ELISA

ELISA Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays are the gold standard in identifying protein species. They can be used to analyze a protein mixture, or to confirm the presence of a target protein. The basic steps of the ELISA include immobilizing an antigen to a solid surface, complexing it with an antibody that is linked to an enzyme and detecting the conjugated enzyme activity via incubation with a substrate to produce a measurable product. ELISA is used in research and diagnostic labs to detect proteins such as hormones, bacterial antigens and antibodies. The reproducibility and reliability of ELISAs are dependent upon proper technique and attention to detail. When considering ELISA equipment it is important to select an appropriate ELISA technology (indirect, blocking (competitive) and antigen-capture (direct)) and consider the number and types of tests and samples, technical training of staff and financial considerations.

ELISA